When your period isn’t just your period: 7 changes worth mentioning to your doctor

The useful part

Has your period ever changed in a way you initially dismissed but later realized was worth discussing with a doctor? Stress, travel, contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes and perimenopause can all alter the menstrual cycle. Your period can also provide clues about what's happening elsewhere in your body.

How it works

• A major change in bleeding, pain, timing or cycle pattern can sometimes point to fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid problems, anemia, perimenopause or other conditions worth investigating.
• Your periods suddenly become much heavier Heavy menstrual bleeding isn't defined only by the number of pads or tampons you use, but practical clues matter.
• Bleeding through a pad or tampon every hour, needing double protection, waking repeatedly to change products, passing large clots or having bleeding that routinely interferes with normal life deserves...

Details worth keeping

An occasional odd month usually isn't a reason to panic. Heavy bleeding can be associated with fibroids, […] The pos...